NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY -- It's officially summertime and yet, the playgrounds are quiet and the basketball courts empty during the day in Shamokin.
That’s because students in Shamokin Area and nearby Line Mountain School District are still in school.
"I'd be hanging out with my friends right now, but I can't because of school and it's pretty ridiculous honestly. It's annoying,” said Shamokin Area student Teann Beck.
While students in most districts are out for the summer, kids in Line Mountain and Shamokin Area are still sitting at their desks. It's all because two teacher strikes in each district stalled their school years.
"I don't think it's fair for the kids, no. I don't know what's going on with the school, but I don't think it's fair for the kids,” said Carol Benjamin of Shamokin.
Lawton Shroyer Memorial pool in Shamokin is busy after school as kids splash and play, but workers at the public pool say things are really quiet when they open at noon. No one really shows up until after school lets out.
"I think it's ridiculous. We're kids. We need to have fun. We have like all this homework to get done,” said Hailie Cragle, a student at Shamokin Area.
The Lindenmuths have two kids and say after the first strike in Shamokin Area, they enrolled their children in charter school. They finished up on June 13.
“They've been enjoying the pool since it opened because they have the afternoons free. They're done with school for the summer and they at least get to enjoy what these kids are missing,” said Becky Lindenmuth of Shamokin.
Kids we spoke with say they don't blame the teachers or the district. They're just upset they're missing out.
"Be at the pool, sleepovers, and stuff,” said Trynity DelVecchio of Shamokin.
State law requires students get 180 days of instruction, but it prohibits students from going to school past the end of June. Seniors in both districts have already graduated. The last day for the rest of the students is June 30.
